Exploring American Girlhood through 50 Historic Treasures

by Ashley E. Remer, Tiffany R. Isselhardt

Who are the girls that helped build America? Conventional history books shed little light on the influence and impact of girls’ contributions to society and culture. This oversight is challenged by Girl Museum and their team, who give voices to the most neglected, yet profoundly impactful, historical narratives of American history: young girls. Exploring American Girls’ History through 50 Historic Treasures showcases girls and their experiences through the lens of place and material culture. Discover how the objects and sites that girls left behind tell stories about America that you have never heard before. Readers will journey from the first peoples who called the continent home, to 21st century struggles for civil rights, becoming immersed in stories that show how the local impacts the global and vice versa, as told by the girls who built America. Their stories, dreams, struggles, and triumphs are the centerpiece of the nation’s story as never before, helping to define both the struggle and meaning of being “American.” This full-color book is a must-read for those who yearn for more balanced representation in historic narratives, as well as an inspiration to young people, showing them that everyone makes history. It includes color photographs of all the treasured objects explored.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2021

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3. 5 Although I think the title is a little misleading, this book does trace women's status and accomplishments throughout many years. Starting with the Cahokia mounds to our present days, the book mentions women who accomplished much at times when it was thought they had little power. Some I had heard of, many I didn't.

In 1777 Sybil Ludington completed a dirty mile midnight ride to muster troops to fight against the encroaching British army. Most of us have heard about Paul Revere but Sylvia who actually accomplished a greater rest was buried in history.

Ida Lewis, lighthouse keeper in 1842, barely a hundred pounds, would rescue men, twice her weight, from drowning. President Grant would visit her lighthouse in Rhode Island. She saved between 23 and 40 people, though her rescues were never recorded.

The sections are divided into sections, brief histories of the time period and then women who exceeded or carved out their own futures. Dominique Dawes, the black gymnast who became the first to win a bronze metal in the Olympics. Her leotard now on display at the Smithsonian.

Colored illustrations begin each section. A fantastic book for reading during Women's Month. I think it's just wonderful that more and more the long forgotten or buried accomplishments of women are being discovered and written for the world to acknowledge.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone with an intense interest in both social history and toys, I found this book a fascinating read. Girls are often included as side-notes to history, if they’re included at all. By examining their possessions a lot can be learned about their lives. Highly recommended for social historians.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of America is easily found in books, the internet, journals, etc. The history of American girls, however, is usually overlooked. This book challenges that, with a list (and details) about important historic items or assets left behind by girls.

From the first black baby doll to the queen Barbie herself, these object were loved. What I found most interesting were the photos and letters. This shows the girls voice and the power that they had, even at a young age. The chapter on Japanese Internment was particular a standout for me.

I do think that the children of the 80's and 90's were left out a bit - why mention Seventeen Magazine and not mention Sassy. Sassy was the anti-Seventeen and was such a force for so many young girls.

Still - this is an excellent book/list/future textbook? I can only hope that another young girl can pick this up and make it into a documentary. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Cari Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge fan of historical items, I was excited to read this new book that focused on American girlhood. However, I was slightly disappointed that many of the objects described were simply memorials to people who defined that era. I would have liked to see more “things” than artistic representations. I also felt in earlier chapters that “girlhood” was loosely defined and many of the gurls described had the majority of their known accomplishments completed well past what is traditionally thought of as girlhood.

Overall, the book was well written and full of interesting information, even if I felt it veered slightly off the girlhood/objects path. I would definitely recommend it for ages 12+. Even though it is written for adults, I think girls on the cusp of leaving childhood behind and entering the teen years would greatly benefit from this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield for this advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandon Westlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Material history so often gets left out of a lot of historiography; this book does an excellent job of situating artifacts back into their proper importance. There were some sources here that I was familiar with, others not. This is a book that can be read from cover to cover or non-sequentially. I can imagine many undergrad classes using this volume to shed light on the changing nature of girlhood within the wider context of American history. I teach at an all girls' school and would definitely use some of this as an entry point into some of the historical developments of the time. The entries are tightly written, containing good background and explanation, but leave room for readers to do a little more exploring or investigate the context surrounding these objects. The book also does a great job of being inclusive of all American girls, not just middle class white culture.

A fun, worthwhile read

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A eclectic collection of artifacts, clothing, and statues, this book embarks on preserving the story of young girls throughout American history. The authors assert the girlhood era in US history has long been overlooked. It was an interesting selection. I didn't agree with some of their interpretations of the stories behind the choices, but I think it provides introductory information for people who don't have substantive knowledge on the subject. Some of the items chosen to represent the era I grew up in were unknown to me so it was a nice nostalgic trip while also Learning. Thanks to NetGalley and Rowan and Littlefield for the advance copy.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book at MCFLS because I was looking for the book "Patty Reed's Doll".
This doll was listed on this list of Historic Treasures. It was interesting to see the photograph
of the doll, and read the account.

Other treasures are equally as amazing: statues of Wheatly, Pocahontas, ect., pantaloons,
"Reminiscences of My Life in Camp" by Susie King Taylor, 1864, Kotex, Shirley Temple's dress, Barbie, "Are you There God? It's me Margaret" by Judy Blume, 1970, Dominique Dawes - the gymnast who paved the way for futher black gymnasts.

An amazing account of American Girlhood. Even only a skim is worth while. Surely worth adding to elementary library collections.

[Emily Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Museum does such fabulous work and this book is no exception! This engaging and thought-provoking history of girls’ material culture spans Salem, the Donner party, Japanese internment during World War 2, Tejana music, doll culture, zine culture, the Dakota Access Pipeline and tons more. I loved every page.

[Holly L'Heureux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. Seeing the history of girlhood in America and how it's changed from the beginning of humans on this continent to now. Girls are such a staple in this country, doing more than most adults think possible. I loved this book. I would love to see another one that is like it, whether it be about a different country or different culture/continent.

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next best thing to visiting an actual museum. Each hilight is given it's credit and provides enough to peak more interest while moving forward to the next treasure.

I came across this by accident when browsing kids books on my local library's website and got it thinking it was more geared to young children. A great find and read.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this at an AASLH conference.